James F. Haight

James F. Haight (Age 86) of Alexandria, Virginia, on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, has joined his beloved son Eric L Haight in the Kingdom of Heaven. He was also greeted at the gates by his mother, father, Sabu and Simba. He is survived by his partner of 41 years, Nguyen Van Hoc', daughter Kimberly M Haight, grandchildren Jessica, Leland and Kathryn, younger brother Tom, niece and nephews Cindy, Tim and Tony and their children (including football buddy Travis), his dearest friend Kelly , best friend and attorney Ira Polon and all his extended family from Mr. Smith's Restaurant. James was born January 14, 1930, in Sioux Falls, SD, Graduated Cathedral H.S. in 1948 (senior class president), graduated Iowa State (B.S. Degree – Finance), Georgetown University (Graduate Study – Law). James joined the U.S. Air Force 1954 (Honorably discharged as Officer and Pilot). In 1957, he joined the stockbrokerage firm of Hodgdon & Company (youngest member at age 27), In 1959, he was named Vice President of Training and Sales, made Executive Vice-President of the firm in 1963. On July 1, 1964, he was honored to be named President of the firm and the name was changed to Haight & Co., on October 1, 1967. James was married to Patricia Lay during his days with Hodgdon & Co. His daughter Kimberly was his first "youngest" client (at age five) followed quickly by his son Eric, a younger investor (age three). He always said, "never too young to plan for your future." 1969-1974 James opened his first restaurant, Bixby's Warehouse 1211 Connecticut Ave, in 1971, received Winner, Washington Award of Excellence. 1972-1974 James opened Sundown, 3040 M Street, NW (Georgetown's largest discotheque) 1973 James opened Mr. Smith's Restaurant 3104 M Street, NW (Georgetown), this was his passion. James loved being a saloon owner. With the sing-a-long piano bar, outdoor garden, live music in the Tiffany Lounge on the second floor, he never tired of hearing people say, "I know Mr. Smith's!" He opened many other restaurants, including, 1978-2006 Mr. Smith's (McLean, VA), 1980-1983 Mr. Smith's (Rehobeth Beach, DE), 1983-1986 The Guards Restaurant (Georgetown, D.C.) and 1990-1993 Mr. Smith's of Denver (Lakewood, CO). In 2014, Mr. Smith's at 3104 M Street, NW moved to a NEW location at 3205 K Street, NW! He was proud that he could find a new location for his employees to continue running his treasured "Mr. Smith's". Of all his restaurants, He loved Mr. Smith's of Georgetown the most. Memberships include, University Club of Washington, Phi Kappa Fraternity, International Club of Washington, Georgetown Businessmen's Association, Georgetown Citizens Association. Funeral: Relatives and friends are invited. Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA, Viewing 4-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 6th. Gathering/ Funeral will be held Saturday, May 7th, 2016 Gathering 10:00 a.m., Funeral 11-12:00 (noon), Interment to follow – Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Columbia Blvd, Arlington. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made in his memory to "The Humane Society" in your local area.

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James F. Haight

January 14, 1930 - April 26, 2016